Director, Communications

COMPANY BACKGROUND

7 Brew is a rapidly expanding drive thru beverage experience with over 470 locations across 37 states in the US. We are one of the fastest-growing QSR brands in the United States, with plans to open more than 100 additional domestic locations in 2025. We're passionate about crafting delicious and unique beverages while providing a fast and friendly customer experience. We believe in creating a vibrant and energetic work environment where our team members can thrive and grow. Our mission is to cultivate kindness one tasty drink at a time.

JOB SUMMARY

Title: Director, Communications

Department: Marketing

Organization: 3 Functional Direct Reports – Corporate Communications, Consumer PR and Buzz

Marketing, Internal Communications

Reporting: Direct Report to VP Brand Marketing

Location: Springdale, Arkansas HQ

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Communications, will establish the Communications function at 7 Brew. The

Director will develop and lead 7 Brew’s annual communications strategies, plan, and execution across Corporate Communications, Consumer PR and Buzz Marketing, and Internal/Field Communications. He or she will drive national brand storytelling, position the brand effectively with industry, trade, and consumer media, and lead internal communications to corporate employees, franchisees, and stand-level team members. The Director will be the voice, style, and messenger of 7 Brew – becoming a master at bringing the 7 Brew brand and culture to life with any audience and in any medium – from publicity to events to stunts and collaborations to meetings with investors and franchisees.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop annual and ongoing Communications strategies and plans to drive brand salience, breakthrough brand buzz, and continuous system and sales growth.
• Own the rolling Communications Calendar, within the overall Brand Marketing Calendar, continuously optimizing the plan to meet and exceed corporate and consumer brand and business objectives.
• Lead Corporate Communications including industry and trade media relations, key company events, investor relations, current and new Franchisee communications, and crisis communications.
• Lead Consumer PR and Buzz Marketing – generating national and local media coverage, buzz, and word of mouth for consumer-focused announcements, promotions, events, stunts, and collaborations.
• Lead Internal Communications, ensuring all company news and events are reaching and inspiring our corporate employees, current Franchisees and their teams.
• Stand Managers, and stand-level team members.
• Select and manage all PR and communications agency partners and vendors, for both national and local publicity efforts.
• Influence all brand and marketing campaigns, promotions, new product launches, and more, in partnership with the VP Brand Marketing, and in close partnership with cross-functional peers.
• Partner with Insights & Market Research, Brand Marketing, Field Marketing, Media, Digital Marketing, and Customer Care to develop and activate campaigns nationally and locally.
• Develop deep understanding of the category, competition, and consumer to optimize brand positioning, drive favorable publicity, and grow brand preference and equity over time.
• Partner with Brand Marketing and Creative on the 7 Brew Brand Book, the positioning and style guidelines for use by product teams and partners.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure brand standards and communications policies are being met across all stakeholders.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• 7-10 years of Communications management experience in FMCG, CPG, or QSR/restaurant category with minimum of 2 years in a Director-level role.
• Experience in a franchised brand or business a plus.
• Reputation for developing and managing high-performing communications teams for successful brands.
• Passion for brand storytelling – imbuing PR and communications campaigns with ah-ha insights, creative magic, and remarkable messaging.
• Deep desire to understand consumer choices, attitudes, and behaviors; demonstrated ability to apply consumer insights to inspire successful communications, PR, and buzz marketing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of brand positioning, brand identity, creative development, and excellence in marketing campaign execution/activation.
• Experience leveraging in-house and external creative and communications teams and agencies for national and local campaigns.
• High-energy, curious, collaborative, and communicative leadership style.
• Ability to relocate and live in NW Arkansas and travel as needed.